This Sunday 18th February is the Universal Day of Prayer for Students, otherwise known as Student Sunday! UDPS is coordinated by the World Student Christian Federation (WSCF), and has been celebrated since 1898, making it one of the oldest ecumenical days of prayer. SCM Member Sian shares why she thinks praying, specifically praying in community, is still an important but often overlooked element of the Christian faith.

New Resources Available for Student Sunday 2017

SCM has published a new online resource toolkit to enable churches, student groups and other communities to celebrate Student Sunday 2017.

“We are thrilled to unite Christians around the world once more to celebrate this global day of prayer for students,” said Hilary Topp, SCM’s National Coordinator. “Through prayer and storytelling, churches will be giving a meaningful voice to so many people whose lives are being changed whilst at university. Together, we can support these students as they explore their faith and discover who they are.”

Georgine Djeutane, WSCF Interim Chairperson, echoed the need for Christians globally to pray together for students. “Prayer is a vital aspect of the life of a Christian. It changes our vision of the people and situations around us,” she said. “It is imperative and essential to pray for students, for them to see the world through Jesus’ perspective, so as to be in harmony with this vision and transform the world.”

A Global Day of Prayer

Student Sunday is originally known as the Universal Day of Prayer for Students (UDPS), an ecumenical day of prayer coordinated by the World Student Christian Federation (WSCF). It has been celebrated since 1898, making it one of the oldest ecumenical days of prayer. Next year it is marked on 19 February.

Our theme for Student Sunday 2017 is ‘All Are Welcome’, reflecting a commitment to create welcoming spaces for students, many of whom come from different backgrounds and traditions. The resource pack contains prayers, stories from students around the world, liturgies and worship resources, reflections from the lectionary readings, and all-age activities.

SCM Britain is inviting link churches, affiliated chaplaincies and student groups, as well as other communities around the world, to plan activities for Student Sunday on or around 19 February next year. This can take the form of a full service of activities or prayers and stories within a service. For more information, and to download the full resource pack, click here.

“We are pleased to release these resources for Student Sunday, which form a commitment from SCM Britain to stand in solidarity and prayer with students and our partner movements across the world,” added Hilary Topp.

Click here to find out more about Student Sunday 2017 and download the resources.

Our top 8 ways to welcome people into the life of your church or student community. These ideas can be used to celebrate Student Sunday on 19 February 2017 – join hundreds of churches & groups around the world. Find out more here.

SCM publishes new resource pack for Student Sunday 2016

SCM is pleased to publish a new resource pack for Student Sunday 2016.

Known as the Universal Day of Prayer for Students (UDPS), this ecumenical event is organised by the World Student Christian Federation (WSCF) on the third Sunday of February every year (21 February next year). It brings together individuals, SCM groups and the global church community to lift up in prayer students around the world who are facing different challenges, including violence and persecution, and those who are living out their faith through peace and justice work.

Our theme for Student Sunday next year - taking place 21 February 2016 - is ‘Stories of Faith’, celebrating the diversity of students and their faith journeys, and reflecting on how churches and individuals can support students to form even stronger communities of faith and action.

To encourage churches and student groups across Britain to join with our friends and partners worldwide to pray for students on the UDPS next year, SCM Britain has published a new resource toolkit. Inside you will find prayer activities, stories from students around the world, reflections, liturgies, reflections on lectionary readings, and all-age activities. SCMs and churches globally will also use the pack to celebrate the UDPS next February.